President suggests that plans for Maine's coastal defense be laid before engineer and ordnance bureaus. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 4 November 1861, CW, 5:13-14.

Announces he can receive visitors from 10 a.m. to noon only to provide time to prepare for upcoming meeting of Congress. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 4 November 1861, 2:2.

Spends an hour at Gen. McClellan's headquarters. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

On bill for $5,198.00 from Wm. H. Carryl and brother for "French Satin Brocatelle Curtain, Tassels, Fringes, Cornices, Hall Carpets, Laces Labor Freight & Cartage," Mrs. Lincoln writes: "This bill is correct in accordance with my purchases from Mr. Carryl—The goods are now here—Mr. Lincoln will please have bill paid." Lincoln endorses verso: "Approved and referred to the accounting officers for settlement." DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-006.

[Local newspaper publishes Willie Lincoln's poem, "Lines on the Death of Colonel Edward Baker." National Republican (Washington, DC), 4 November 1861, 1:1.]